National Action Plan for the Conservation of Albatrosses

Transcription

1 National Action Plan for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (PLANACAP)

2 The National Action Plan for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels was developed to protect resident birds, here considered as those known to reproduce in Brazilian territory, and also migratory species that although do not reproduce in Brazil, frequently occur along the Brazilian coast, coming here from distant islands to feed. The last ones highly interact with oceanic fishing vessels attending it to obtain food. Often, these birds are incidentally caught by the longliners and dragged to the bottom, dying by drowning. The resident birds suffer with the degradation of reproduction sites, due to native forest cover suppression, and predation by non native species introduced by man as rodents, dogs and cats. The introduction of species is one of the most important issues for a considerable part of the endangered seabird species all over the world. Historical facts The proposal of the development of an international action plan to reduce seabird bycatch on longline fishing was conducted by Committee of Fisheries (COF) of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1997, in order to establish an international agreement to address the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Brazilian government signed voluntarily the International Plan, and consequently assumed the responsibility of developing its own national action plan. The Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA - Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis) carried out, with the support of Projeto Albatroz, a workshop with 35 representatives including the Environment Ministry (MMA), the former Secretaria Especial de Aquicultura e Pesca (SEAP), that today constitutes de Ministry of ACAP The PLANACAP, in its original version, released in June 2006, recommended that Brazil should ratify the Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). The ratification was done in June 2008 and took effect in December The aims and actions foreseen in ACAP mostly coincide with those from PLANACAP. The strategic line laid down by ICMBio accomplished a PLANACAP revision in Among the purposes of this revision it was the complete alignment of PLANACAP and ACAP objectives in order to amplify the range of national actions, maximizing the use of financial resources and optimizing efforts for the fulfillment of international commitments for the conservation of albatrosses and petrels in Brazil. Aquiculture and Fisheries (MPA), the Instituto de Pesca de São Paulo, the Brazilian Program of the BirdLife International, Fishing Companies, the Conselho Nacional de Pesca e Aquicultura (CONEPE), and universities representatives. The reunions occurred in Fortaleza de Santo Amaro da Barra Grande, Guarujá, São Paulo State in April 5th and 6th, The National Action Plan was officially released in Brasília, June 5th 2006, during the reunion of the Advisory Committee to Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). Species covered by the National Action Plan The Order Procellariiformes includes albatrosses and petrels widely distributed over the oceans of the world. Its major diversity is reported for the southern hemisphere, with 22 albatross species, two giant-petrel s species and, at least, 75 petrel s species of the families Procellariidae, Hydrobatidae and Pelecanoididae. These animals have great longevity and late sexual maturity (about 5-6 year for the smaller species and 11 years for the larger albatrosses). Also, only one egg is laid per season, which can occur in intervals of two or more years. Albatrosses and petrels are amongst the most oceanic birds, rarely approaching the land, except for reproduction. Several species migrate widely and perform long foraging trips for thousand kilometers. They can, for example, circling the Antarctic Continent flying over the sea. Because of the huge shifting capacity and the wide distribution area of the Procellariiformes, fishery activities in Brazil interfere in the reproduction of the birds in Antarctic, Subantarctic islands, Central Atlantic Ocean, and also in New Zeeland Islands and Australia. Species breeding in Brazil Only two species of petrels breed in Brazilian territory and the conservation of them both is impaired by the introduction of predators and habitat destruction. The Trindade Petrel, Pterodroma arminjoniana, as its name says, breeds in Trindade Island and nearby smaller islands, about km from the continent, and also in the Martin Vaz Islands, at about 50 km from Trindade. The species is unusual near to the Continental South Vignette and cover photos: Fabiano Peppes/ Projeto Albatroz

3 America, with one registry in the coast of Argentina, at San Matias Gulf. The most austral registry is located in a region southern of the Malvinas/Falklands. This bird don t seem to interact with fishing activities, however faces problems all over its reproduction island, such as the suppression of native vegetal cover and the introduction of domestic animals. The Audubon Shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri is a small bird with 65 to 70 cm wing-spread. It breeds in Fernando de Noronha (PE) and Itatiaia Islands (ES). In Southern Atlantic Ocean it has been registered in Ascension Islands and Santa Helena. In Brazil, less than ten couples have already been observed in each locality where the species was registered. Visitor Species that Interact with Fisheries Between the 148 seabird species already registered in Brazil, 45 are in the Order Procellariiformes and among them, at least 16 that came from other countries/continents interact with oceanic fishing vessels. Ten species have been reported to be bycaught by pelagic longline fishing; four of them are regularly captured: the black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris, the white-chinned petrel, Procellaria aequinoctialis, the Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross, T. chlororhynchos, and the spectacled petrel, P. conspicillata. This group is most frequently captured southern to 20 o S latitude, in the coldest months. The first two species are the most representative. The black-browed albatrosses individuals caught are from the population that breed in the Malvinas/ Falklands and are invariable non-reproductive immature young. The Atlantic yellow-nosed-albatross and the spectacle petrel are endemic to the Tristão da Cunha Islands. Other large albatross species are also caught by Brazilian fishing vessels, mainly the wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans, the Tristan albatross, D. dabbenena, the southern royal albatross, D. epomophora and northern royal albatross, D. sanfordi. The wandering albatrosses are from colonies in the Georgia Islands (subantarctic region) and the Tristan albatross is endemic to the Tristão da Cunha Islands and Gough Island in Atlantic Ocean. The southern and northern royal albatrosses only reproduce in New Zeeland Islands, but feed in the Southern Atlantic in no reproductive seasons. Fabiano Peppes / Projeto Albatroz Conservation Status of the PLANACAP Species Species Common Name IUCN MMA (IN 03/2003) Diomedea dabbenena Tristan albatross Critically Endangered Endangered Diomedea epomophora Southern royal albatross Vulnerable Vulnerable Diomedea exulans Wandering albatross Vulnerable Vulnerable Diomedea sanfordi Northern royal albatross Endangered Endangered Thalassarche cauta Shy albatross Near Threatened - Thalassarche chlororhynchos Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross Endangered Vulnerable Thalassarche melanophris Black-browed albatross Endangered Vulnerable Calonectris borealis Cory s shearwater - - Calonectris edwardsii Cape verde shearwater Near Threatened - Procellaria aequinoctialis White-chinned petrel Vulnerable Vulnerable Procellaria conspicillata Spectacled petrel Vulnerable Endangered Pterodroma arminjoniana Trindade Petrel Vulnerable Vulnerable Pterodroma incerta Atlantic petrel Endangered Endangered Puffinus lherminieri Audubon s shearwater Least Concern Critically Endangered Puffinus gravis Great shearwater Least Concern -

4 Legend Sighted Birds Nautical Miles Abatrosses and petrels species that interact with brazilian fisheries ocurrence map (information source: Projeto Albatroz). Threats Seabirds, particularly albatrosses, are becoming more threatened, declining much faster than any other birds group. These birds face a several threats. Reproduction sites The main threats for species that breed in Brazilian islands is habitat degradation, including suppression of original vegetation cover, which leads to loss of adequate places for reproduction and also the predation by introduced domestic animals. Trindade Island, for example, has suffered a high native vegetation cover destruction process; the former vegetation was dominated by Colubrina glandulosa var. reitzii, which covered about 85% of the island surface up to early 18 th Century. It has been suggested that this loss was caused by a combination of factors as human inducted fire and overgrazing by introduced goats. Today there is a project for the reforestation of the Trindade island conducted by Museu Nacional de História Natural UFRJ, Brazilian Navy and IBAMA. In Fernando de Noronha Island, predators as cats, rats, dogs and tegu lizards probably inhibit the occupation of the main island by the Audubon Shearwater and certainly prey on other seabirds. The island of the Morro da Viuvinha is located near to the beach and it increases species risk by the invasion of rats that can completely eliminate the birds that breed in the area. Bycatch in oceanic fisheries The incidental capture in fisheries is considered the main threat to albatrosses and petrel species all over the world. Captures in several kinds of fisheries, especially in trawl fisheries are being reported by many countries. However, pelagic and demersal longline fishing are the

5 most impactful fisheries. This is mainly due to the overlap of the fishing grounds of pelagic fishing fleet and these birds occurrence area. In Brazil the major interaction areas are located south to 20 º S, near to Vitória, Espírito Santo State up to the frontier of Brazil with Uruguay. In this priority area there are regions of special importance, such as the region of Trindade, the Santa Catarina State coast and Rio Grande do Sul State in an area named Rio Grande Plateau. Brazilian fisheries fleet operates not just in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone, but also in International adjacent zones. PLANACAP present a list of priority fisheries and also some potentially harmful fisheries (that need more studies to better evaluate its interaction with seabirds) in Brazil: monkfish gillnetting, driftnetting, trawling and pole and line fisheries with lived-bait. Priority Fisheries Fisheries considered as priority by PLANACAP are those that use line and fishhook known as longline fishing. Four longline fishing modalities were identified: Pelagic longline fishing by Brazilian ships in south and southeastern Brazil: this fishery is made by Brazilian ships in operation from south and southeastern harbors, as Santos and Guarujá in São Paulo State, Itajaí and Navegantes in Santa Catarina State, and Rio Grande in Rio Grande do Sul State. This fishing targets Tuna, Swordfish and Sharks. It is the Best studied fishery in Brazil in relation its interaction with albatrosses and petrels. Tests have been performed in this fleet for the development of mitigation measures with the collaboration of fishermen and managers. Recent research supported the publishing of a Normative Instruction (IN nº 04, April 2011) requiring the application of measures for the reduction seabirds bycatch, such as the Toriline and different weight regime in fishing lines (see mitigation measures box) in all ships acting south to 20 o S. Pelagic longline fishing by foreign leased ships: The foreign ships fleet leased by Brazilian companies, usually in northeastern Brazil harbors in Recife, Pernambuco State, Cabedelo in Paraíba State, and Natal, in Rio Grande do Norte State. Despite of being considered regions with minor importance to seabirds, these ships have considerable autonomy (can stay for three months or longer at the sea without returning to harbor), and usually act in southern regions. There are great concerns about this fleet because its fishing capacity is much larger than other Brazilian ships, what may increase birds capture indexes. Line and hook fishing made by Espirito Santo State fleet Itaipava Fleet: this fleet s basis is situated at Itaipava harbor, located in Itapemirim (municipality southern to Vitória/ES), and neighbor cities as Piúma, Anchieta, and Vila Velha. Hundreds of ships compose this fleet, and it acts all over the Brazilian coast, including areas southern to 20º S, which is a priority for the conservation of seabirds as albatrosses and petrels. Because of its widespread activities area, managing this fishery is a great challenge to authorities. This fishery is usually made by small and medium sized ships (less than 50 foot), usually wooden ships. This fishery use several kinds of line and hook fishing techniques, including surface longline for the capture of the Common-Dolphin-Fish Coryphaena hippurus, and pelagic longline for the capture of the Broadbill-Swordfish Xiphias gladius. Detailed studies are necessary in order to better understand this fleet s impacts in the bird species protected by the PLANACAP. Bottom longline fishing: The bottom longline fishing fleet has suffered a drastic decline after the prohibition (regulatory instruction no. 37, 6 th October, 2005) of its main target-species, the Altantic-Wreckfish Polyprion americanus. However, some ships are still acting in Brazil in the fishing of catfishes near to the coast. Studies indicated that this fleet is responsible for the capture of lots of seabirds, mainly the Great-Shearwater P. gravis, but also albatrosses and other petrel species. The actual situation of this fleet seems to indicate that its impact over albatrosses and petrels is insignificant. Nevertheless, it needs attention due to the high bycatch levels registered in the past. Mitigation Measures PLANACAP presents measures to avoid the birds bycatch in fishery developed together by specialists in seabirds and fishery. Among the key measures is the tori-line, it is a line with streamers that is towed during fishing-gear deployment. As the vessel moves forward, an aerial extent is created by the drag of the on-water extent of the line or by a towed device. Streamers, most typically made of vertical strands of line or plastic tubing, are suspended at regular intervals from the aerial extent. It is the aerial extent with streamers that deters birds. The tori-line maintain the streamer line over the sinking baited hooks in such a way that the streamers prevent seabirds from depredating baits or becoming hooked and subsequently killed.

6 Several researches are being conducted to improve these measures, create new ones and to study its efficiency in reducing seabirds mortality. Based on actual researches, the Workgroup for Bycatch of the ACAP recommend the use of three measures that should be used concomitantly: the tori-line, night fishing and an adequate sinker weights system. Other measures, as the use of unfrozen baits and limiting the disposal of fisheries reject are stimulated, but are not considered to be effective enough. Furthermore, because of detailed investigation or operational difficulties, some measures - as blue painting the baits, lateral throw, underwater drop and the use of artificial baits are not recommended. Tori-lines Two tori-lines models are suggested, one for vessels over 115 feet and other for smaller vessels: For vessels over 115 feet the tori-line must have an aerial extension of at least 100 m and colorful vertical strands and silicone tubes placed in at least 5 m intervals. The silicone tubes must be long enough to touch sea surface in calm waters. For ships smaller than 115 feet, - most of the Brazilian fleet, tori-lines design must cover an aerial area of at least 75 m with colorful vertical strands placed each meter of the main tori-line main stream. This is the design actually used in Brazil. It may also be used a mixed composition merging short strands and long tubes. Line weighting regimes It is fundamental to use a line weighting regimes in secondary lines of longlines in order to assure the hooks to be under the protection of tori-lines within the reach of seabirds, going under in an adequate speed. That s why it is primordial the use of these two measurements (weighting regimes and tori-lines) in addition to the night settings. The minimum weight suggested today is: 45g placed no longer than one meter distant from the hook; or 60g placed no longer than 3.5 meters distant from the hook; or 98g placed no longer than 4 meters distant from the hook; It is not recommended to place weight more than 4 meters distant from the hook. Fabiano Peppes / Projeto Albatroz Night settings In pelagic longline fishing, the equipment that might have a thousand or more hooks is released once daily. It is recommended that the releasing should be done at night, considered as the period between nautical dusk and dawn. The efficiency of this measure is reduced in full moon nights or with bright lights on deck. So, it should be used in conjunction with tori-line and a line weighting regimes in order to assure its efficiency. The strategy of Instituto Chico Mendes for the conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels The National Action Plan is under coordination of ICMBio/CEMAVE and Projeto Albatroz and includes actions to guarantee the viability of the Procellariiformes reproductive assemblages in Brazilian territory and to reduce incidental capture of seabirds by longline fishing to minimum levels. After 2012 full revision, PLANACAP now have five main goals and 69 action defined.actions and goals established in the conservation plan were developed in order to allow Brazil to reach PLANACAP objectives, focusing in the recovery and the conservation of habitats were resident species breed and also in the reduction of capture levels by fisheries. Accordingly, fishing management actions are based in four strategic segments: research in biology and behavior of seabirds and its relation to fisheries, and improvement of mitigation measurements; environmental education focused in fishers and their families; monitoring by the establishment of an on-board observers program; and regulation, with the publication of laws and regulatory instructions for the application of mitigation measurements in order to promote the conservation of albatrosses and petrels in Brazil. In view of the protection of resident and migratory seabirds species, PLANACAP establishes as its main objective: Contribute to the long term conservation of albatrosses and petrels

7 Albatrosses and Petrels conservation plan Goals Actions 1.1 Evaluate the inclusion of Pterodroma arminjoniana in ACAP 1-Brazilian island and marine environments explored by albatrosses and petrels recovered and conserved 1.2 Establish in Trindade a seedling nursery from seeds collected in the island or from populations indicated by specialist 1.3 Elaborate and implement in the Trindade Island a reforestation and natural regenaration monitoring plan 1.4 Remove all impactful exotic plant species 1.5 Evaluate the establishment of a military area for the conservation on Trindade Island 2.1 Regularly review and actualize the legislation related to the implementation of mitigation measures 2.2 Crate and regulate tools for the effective oversight of mitigation measures in harbors and offshore 2.3 Oversight, in harbors and offshore, the adoption of regulated mitigation measures 2.4 Establish and manage a group for monitoring, communicating, alerting and emergency assisting albatrosses and petrels impacted by petrol and derivates Consolidate and disseminate guidelines and specific protocols related to the rehabilitation of albatrosses and petrels impacted by oil and derivatives 2.6 Implement the use of mitigation measures 2- Impact of antropic activities on the conservation of albatrosses and petrels reduced or eliminated 2.7 Elaborate and publish a normative instrument obligating inspection in all cargo to be landed, and testify pest control in any vessel docked or anchored in Trindade Island 2.8 Establish, implement and consolidate in managing plans of the National Park (PARNA) and the Environment Protection Area (APA) of Fernando de Noronha the requirement of cargo inspection and pest control testifying in all aircrafts and vessels docked or anchored in islands proximity 2.9 Control landing in islands occupied by albatrosses and petrels species in order to avoid interferences and disturbances to colonies 2.10 Publish a legal instrument to prohibit the introduction of plants outside orchard or vegetable garden limits, and any animals in Trindade Island and Martin Vaz 2.11 Elaborate and implement a conduct code and procedures in order to harmonize military routine with the conservation of seabirds 2.12 Implement a steady surveillance system for early detection of rodents and adopt control measures on the islands Itatiaia (Old Village), Morro do Leão, and Morro da Viuvinha (Fernando de Noronha) 2.13 Elaborate and implement a program to control exotic vertebrate population harmful to seabirds reproduction, such as domestic mouse, vole and rat, tegu lizard and rock cavy in Trindade and Matin Vaz Islands, Fernando de Noronha and Itatiaia 2.14 Establish, implement and consolidate rules to prohibit boarding of pets in aircrafts and vessels to Fernando de Noronha Articulate with IBAMA an energy generation plan compatible with seabirds conservation in Trindade Island 2.16 Perform a program to identify, sterilize and monitor pet species (e.g., dogs, cats, snakes and iguanas) that can cause disturbance in seabird colonies in Fernando de Noronha 2.17 Elaborate and implement an oil spills emergency contingency plan for islands with the presence of Puffinus lherminieri and Pterodroma arminjoniana colonies Articulate with Fernando de Noronha administration the adoption of mitigation measures for reduction of the impact of waste and sanitary sewer generation and disposal in the island 2.19 Articulate with the Brazilian Navy the adoption of mitigation measures for reduction of the impact of waste and sanitary sewer generation and disposal in Trindade island 3.1 Ascertain albatrosses and petrels mortality levels in pole and line fisheries with lived-bait 3.2 Ascertain albatrosses and petrels incidental catch levels in driftnet fishing 3.3 Ascertain albatrosses and petrels incidental catch levels in bottom longline fishing 3.4 Ascertain albatrosses and petrels incidental catch levels in trawling fishing 3.5 Ascertain albatrosses and petrels incidental catch levels in fisheries as practiced by itaipava fleet 3- Relevant impacts to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels, interaction with fisheries and biological aspects studied and monitored 3.6 Ascertain albatrosses and petrels incidental catch levels in associated school fishing 3.7 Monitoring incidental albatrosses and petrels incidental catch in pelagic longline fishing made by industrial fleet 3.8 Analyze and improve mitigation measures in tuna and swordfish pelagic longline fishing 3.9 Develop new mitigation measures for pelagic longline fishing 3.10 Develop, analyze and improve mitigation measures for fisheries which has been found to cause albatrosses and petrels catch or death 3.11 Evaluate the implementation and the fulfillment of mitigation measures application rules 3.12 Elaborate and approve a protocol to standardize data collection in the On-board Observers National Program 3.13 Implement the data collection standardized protocol in the On-board Observers National Program 3.14 Harmonize fisheries coverage considered in the National On-board Observers with PLANACAP objectives

8 Goals 3- Relevant impacts to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels, interaction with fisheries and biological aspects studied and monitored Actions 3.15 Systematize and provide relevant data on albatrosses and petrels obtained in the National On-board Observers Program 3.16 Map albatrosses and petrels diversity in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone and surrounding international waters, in order to determine priority areas, correlated with oceanographic features, prey distribution and threats 3.17 Evaluate positive and negative impacts of interaction with fisheries, excluding incidental catch 3.18 Study albatrosses and petrels as monitors/bioindicators of environmental conditions 3.19 Evaluate and monitor health of albatrosses and petrels with occurrence in Brazil 3.20 Create a network for albatrosses and petrels research information exchange 3.21 Develop mechanisms to access board map information to carry out analysis related to the objectives related to PLANACAP 3.22 Elaborate annual reports about ACAP implementation in Brazil 3.23 Elaborate a monitoring program for the colonies of Puffinus lherminieri and Pterodroma arminjoniana in the islands following a basic sampling protocol 3.24 Implement activities foreseen in the Trindade island monitoring program 3.25 Implement activities foreseen in the Fernando de Noronha islands program Implement activities foreseen in the Itatiaia islands program 3.27 Evaluate interaction with traditional fishing and predation by crabs of Puffinus lherminieri and Pterodroma arminjoniana in islands 3.28 Proceed Population Viability Analysis (PVA) for Puffinus lherminieri and Pterodroma arminjoniana 3.29 Enhance knowledge about the distribution of Puffinus lherminieri and Pterodroma arminjoniana in seas 4.1 Publicize the results of data analyses on incidental catch of albatrosses and petrels 4.2 Publicize the results of data analyses in development and effectiveness of mitigation measures 4.3 Promote environmental education programs geared towards fishermen about the adoption of mitigation measures and the importance of albatrosses and petrels conservation 4.4 Create informative materials suitable to fishermen about mitigation measures and correlated subjects 4.5 Promote the inclusion of the mandatory use of mitigation measures for incidental catch of albatrosses and petrels theme in institutional monitoring agent training courses 4- Development of awareness efforts, communication, and environmental education focusing in the conservation of albatrosses and petrels Empower fishermen in the confection and use of mitigation measures 4.7 Publicize the results of National On-board Observers Program analyses 4.8 Promote the inclusion of the themes conservation of albatrosses and petrels, and incidental catch mitigation measures in on-board observers qualification courses of the National Program 4.9 Publicize the importance of the conservation of albatrosses and petrels for the general public 4.10 Develop environmental education program concerning questions on the conservation of albatrosses and petrels in schools and other public 4.11 Develop environmental education programs to public related with reproduction and feeding areas of resident species 4.12 Implement communication activities on Puffinus lherminieri focusing in schools, fishermen settlements and tourists in Fernando de Noronha 5- Coordination and collaboration for the development of national and international public policies, evaluation of its implementation and impacts on albatrosses and petrels conservation 4.13 Implement mechanisms for regular communication with the Oceanographic Station crew and civilians of Trindade island regarding the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels 5.1 Articulate with international forums of fishery management and conservation the application of research results in the conservation of albatrosses and petrels in Brazil Keep the advisory group as responsible for inter-institutional articulation to fulfill the purposes of PLANACAP and other associated demands Articulate with funding agencies (FNMA, FUNBIO, CNPq, MPA and other) the publication of public notices specifically directed to implementation PLANACAP supported by conducted by Ministério do Meio Ambiente Fabiano Peppes / Projeto Albatroz Available at: -acao/2731-plano-de-acao-nacional-para-a-conservacao-dos-albatrozes-e-petreis.html